a certain

phrase

1

—used to refer to a quality that is noticed but that is difficult to explain or describe

She has a certain elegance about her.

The house has a certain charm.

2

formal

—used with the name of a person one does not know

In 1889, a certain Mr. Kelly made a large donation to the church.

Examples of a certain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Both filmmakers said getting the means to make a film often requires a certain conformity. — Kambole Campbell, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

For Levine, finding an artist isn’t about chasing a certain genre, sound or demographic. — Alicia Urrea, Billboard, 2 Nov. 2026

To use satire to confirm does not bring with it dramatic excitement and risks a certain smugness of point of view. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026

The proposal would also allow the city to have a public notice and comment period instead of a public hearing for contracts exceeding a certain dollar amount. — Digital Producer, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Rhymes for a certain

• uncertain
• bertin
• curtain